End of summer mindset reset

As we reach the end of the summer, there is no doubt mixed emotions in the air. For some this means the BBQ will be packed away back in the garden shed and the festival season is coming to an end. For others, it simply means back to school, back to normality and back to having a tidy home and a full fridge!

Whether you are in camp A or B, now is a great time of year to have a check-in with your own wellbeing and if needed, have a mindset reset.

It is incredibly easy to put yourself on the back burner, especially during the summer months when life can get that extra bit busy, so what can you do to make sure your wellbeing is back at the top of your priority list?

Here are 3 simple ways to welcome more harmony and mindfulness into your life:

Take some time out to reflect on the summer months gone by, sit with either a notebook or your diary/phone and think of 3 things that you experienced this summer that brought you joy, laughter or happiness. Revisit the memories and see if you can feel the same feelings you felt at the time. Why not share your fond summer memories with family or those who were with you? A simple text or chat to reflect on the good times can help to lift your mood, give you a boost of the feel-good hormone dopamine and you will be left feeling grateful for the summer months and the memories you’ve made.

 As the darker evenings begin to settle in, it is easy to slip into ‘Netflix and chill’ mode. Instead, what hobby could you look at taking up over Autumn? Is there a running club you’ve been meaning to join or a local yoga class you have been wanting to try? What ever tickles your interest, explore what you have going on in your local area. The website ‘Meet Up’ is great for finding nearby groups and events, a chance to meet new and like-minded people. You will find you have a renewed spring in your step having stepped out of your comfort zone and tried something new for yourself.

 Check in with your morning routine, how you start your day sets the tone for the rest of your day. If you find yourself rushing around in the morning, try setting your alarm 20 minutes early and committing to sitting somewhere quiet (ish) in your house, and practicing some deep mindful breathing. Simply close your eyes and take your awareness and focus to your breath as you inhale and exhale. If your mind begins to wonder, with no judgment bring your focus back to your breath and continue. Try 10-20 rounds of deep breathing, inhale for 4 seconds, gently hold the breath on the inhale for a moment, then exhale for 4 seconds, and repeat.

There are numerous benefits to mindful breathing, such as it helps to strengthen your focus and attention, the deep breathing gives your body a surge of fresh oxygenated blood around the body which helps awaken the mind and even kick starts the metabolism. Not forgetting it helps you to feel calm and relaxed ready for the day ahead. Try just 5 minutes in a morning, and if you find yourself stressed or tired during the day you can always come back to practicing your mindful breathing.

 Carol-Ann Reid – Life Coach, Speaker & Best Selling Author.

www.carolannreid.com / Follow: carolannreidcoach on Facebook or Instagram.